Wristband Accessories With An Earpiece for A Wearable Computer

ABSTRACT

There is provided a wristband for attaching to a computer device. The wristband includes a first end of the wristband configured to attach to a first side of the computer device, a second end of the wristband configured to attach to a second side of the computer device, and an earpiece compartment for placing an earpiece in the wristband. The wristband can be configured to provide power to the earpiece while the earpiece is placed inside the wristband. The wristband may further include a battery, and wherein the battery of the wristband provides power to a batter of the earpiece. The wristband may also include, wherein the clasp has a switch that is activated in response to a closure of the clasp causing a signal to be transmitted by the wristband to the computer device.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/187,144, filed Feb. 21, 2014, and titled “Wristband Accessories for aWearable Computer.”

BACKGROUND

Advances in technology have given people the ability to make faster andsmaller computers. Mobile phones and computers can now be built toalmost any size including the size of a common watch. Consumers arebuying these tiny mobile phones and computers and utilizing them to helpin their everyday lives. For example, consumers are now able to purchasemobile phones and computers that can be worn around their wrist like awatch. This gives consumers the ability to always have their mobilephones and computers accessible no matter the task that they areperforming.

However, problems can occur when utilizing these wristwatch devices. Forexample, by building wristwatch devices small, it is often difficult toinstall batteries inside the wristwatch devices that can hold chargeslong enough to satisfy consumers' needs. As such, consumers are onlyable to utilize wristwatch devices for a short period of time beforethey need to be plugged in and recharged. As another example, thesewristwatch devices are sold as a complete unit that includes both thewristband and the wearable computer. As such, consumers are not giventhe opportunity to customize their own wristwatch devices in a way thatmeets their needs or fashion.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to wristband accessories with anearpiece for wearable computers, substantially as shown in and/ordescribed in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forthmore completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a system for utilizing a wristband accessory with awearable computer, according to one implementation of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 presents a first system illustrating a wristband accessoryconnected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 presents a second system illustrating a wristband accessoryconnected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 presents a third system illustrating a wristband accessoryconnected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 presents a first example of a wristband accessory, according toone implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 presents a second example of a wristband accessory, according toone implementation of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description contains specific information pertaining toimplementations in the present disclosure. The drawings in the presentapplication and their accompanying detailed description are directed tomerely exemplary implementations. Unless noted otherwise, like orcorresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like orcorresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings andillustrations in the present application are generally not to scale, andare not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

FIG. 1 presents a system for utilizing a wristband accessory with awearable computer, according to one implementation of the presentdisclosure. System 100 includes computer device 110, wristband 130, andearpiece 150. Computer device 110 includes processor 111, input device112, battery 113, battery port 114, memory 115, connection mechanism116, display 117, speaker 118, microphone 119, and communicationinterface 120. Memory 115 includes wristband application 121, which is asoftware running on processor 111 of computer device 110 and includescommunication module 122. Wristband 130 includes device charger 131,processor 132, circuitry 133, battery 134, battery port 135, connectionmechanism 136, communication interface 137, memory 138, earpiece charger139, and lights 140. Circuitry 133 may control lights 140 and chargingof battery 134. Memory 138 includes activation patterns 142, identities143, and characters 144. Earpiece 150 includes communication interface151, speaker 152, microphone 153, attaching mechanism 154, battery 155,and battery port 156.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, system 100 shows three different devicesincluding computer device 110, wristband 130, and earpiece 150. Computerdevice 110 may include any device, which has a computer processor and acommunication interface and is capable of being attached to the wrist ofa user. Wristband 130 may include a device capable of connecting tocomputer device 110 so that computer device 110 is secured to the wristof the user, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. Finally, earpiece 150 mayinclude a device that is capable of being worn or placed in the ear ofthe user, so that the user can communicate hands free with computerdevice 110 and/or wristband 130.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, computer device 110, wristband 130,and earpiece 150 may communicate with each other using communicationinterface 120, communication interface 138, and communication interface151, respectively. Each of communication interface 120, communicationinterface 138, and communication interface 151 may include, but are notlimited to, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), Serial Port, Local AreaNetwork (LAN), Portable Digital Media Interface (PDMI), WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access(WiMax), ZigBee, Bluetooth, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and other types ofdevice interface. As such, each of communication interface 120,communication interface 138, and communication interface 151 cancommunicate with each other using wired and/or wireless deviceinterfaces.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1, computer device 110 connects to wristband130 using connection mechanism 116 and connection mechanism 136,respectively, and earpiece 150 attaches to wristband 130 using attachingmechanism 154. Each of connection mechanism 116, connection mechanism136, and attaching mechanism 154 may include, but are not limited to, asnap, a screw, an adhesive, a tie, or any other mechanism that can beused to connect one device to another device. Furthermore, FIG. 1illustrates that wristband 130 utilizes connection mechanism 136 toconnect to connection mechanism 116 of computer device 110, however, thepresent disclosure is not limited to both wristband 130 and computerdevice 110 including connection mechanisms. In other implementations,only one of computer device 110 and wristband 130 may include aconnection mechanism. For example, in one implementation, wristband 130may include an adhesive as connection mechanism 136 that sticks tocomputer device 110. As such, wristband 130 can be utilized with a widerange of devices even if those devices were not specifically designed tobe utilized with wristband 130.

It should be noted that the implementation of FIG. 1 illustratesconnection mechanism 116 and communication interface 120 of computerdevice 110, and connection mechanism 136 and communication interface 137of wristband 130 as separate components, however, the present disclosureis not limited to the implementation of FIG. 1. For example, in oneimplementation, communication interface 120 of computer device 110 maybe built into connection mechanism 116, and communication interface 137of wristband 130 may be built into connection mechanism 136. In such animplementation, computer device 110 and wristband 130 may communicatewith each other through the connection of connection mechanism 116 andconnection mechanism 136.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, wristband 130 includes processor 132and memory 138. Processor 132 may be configured to access memory 138 tostore received input or to execute commands, processes, or programsstored in memory 138, such as activation patterns 142, identities 143,and characters 144. Processor 132 may correspond to a processing device,such as a microprocessor or similar hardware processing device, or aplurality of hardware devices. However, in other implementationsprocessor 132 refers to a general processor capable of performing thefunctions required of transmitting wristband 130. Memory 138 is asufficient memory capable of storing commands, processes, and programsfor execution by processor 132. Memory 138 may be instituted as ROM,RAM, flash memory, or any sufficient memory capable of storing a set ofcommands. In other implementations, memory 138 may correspond to aplurality memory types or modules.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1, computer device 110 includes processor 111and memory 115. Processor 111 and memory 115 of computer device 110 maybe similar to processor 132 and memory 138 of wristband 138. Forexample, processor 111 may be configured to access memory 115 to storereceived input or to execute commands, processes, or programs stored inmemory 115, such as wristband application 121. Processor 111 maycorrespond to a processing device, such as a microprocessor or similarhardware processing device, or a plurality of hardware devices. However,in other implementations processor 111 refers to a general processorcapable of performing the functions required of computer device 110.Memory 115 is a sufficient memory capable of storing commands,processes, and programs for execution by processor 111. Memory 115 maybe instituted as ROM, RAM, flash memory, or any sufficient memorycapable of storing a set of commands. In other implementations, memory115 may correspond to a plurality memory types or modules.

It should be noted that when computer device 110 and wristband 130 arein communication with each other, computer device 110 can utilize memory138 of wristband 130 and wristband 130 can utilize memory 115 ofcomputer device 110. For example, when computer device 110 is incommunication with wristband 130, processor 115 of computer device 110may be configured to access memory 132 of wristband 130 to storereceived input or to execute commands, processes, or programs stored inmemory 132. In one implementation, processor 115 of computer device 110accesses memory 132 of wristband 130 using wristband application 121. Assuch, computer device 110 can utilize memory 132 of wristband 130 inorder to expand its own memory capabilities.

It should further be noted that the implementation of FIG. 1 illustratesmemory 132 as being installed in wristband 130, however, the presentdisclosure is not limited to memory 132 being installed in wristband130. In one implementation, memory 132 may be an external memory thatcan be inserted into and removed from wristband 130. For example, a userof wristband 130 may wish to add additional memory to wristband 130 thatcan be utilized by either wristband 130 or computer device 110. The usermay then either add additional memory to an additional memory slot (notshown) in wristband 130 or exchange the current memory in wristband 130with a memory that has a greater storage capacity. Furthermore, once thememory is removed from wristband 130, the user may plug that memory intoan additional device, such as a computer, and either download programs,video, images, voice or any other data stored on the memory to theadditional device or load programs video, images, voice or any otherdata on the memory from the additional device that can be utilized bywristband 130 or computer device 110.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, memory 115 of computer device 110includes wristband application 121. Wristband application 121 may havecome preloaded on computer device 110, been downloaded and installed oncomputer device 110 from wristband 130, or been downloaded and installedon computer device 110 from another source. A user of computer device110 can use wristband application 121 to control and customize wristband130. For example, a user of computer device 110 may use wristbandapplication 121 to install activation patterns 142, identities 143, andcharacters 144 in memory 138 of wristband 130. As a second example, asdiscussed above, wristband application 121 may be used by computerdevice 110 to store additional processes and applications in memory 138of wristband 130. In such an example, computer device 110 can expand itsown memory by utilizing memory 138 of wristband 130.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, wristband application 121 includescommunication module 122. Communication module 122 for communicatinginformation or signals between computer device 110 and wristband 130using communication interface 120, for example, in response to computerdevice 110 receiving a phone call or message, such as, but not limitedto, a text message, an email, or any other type of message that can betransmitted between electronic devices. For example, in response tocomputer device 110 receiving a phone call, communication module 122 maytransmit one or more signals to wristband 130 in order to trigger one ormore activation patterns 142, a display of one of identities 143, and/ora display one of characters 144 using lights 140 of wristband 130.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, wristband 130 includes circuitry 133that controls lights 140. Lights 140 may each correspond to alight-emitting-diode (LED) or any other type of light source visible ona surface of wristband 130. As such, circuitry 133 may activate lights140 to turn on and off, control the intensity of lights 140, and controlthe color of lights 140. As will be explained in greater detail below,lights 140 may be customized so that circuitry 133 can activate lights140 according to activations patterns 142, identities 143, andcharacters 144 in response to wristband 130 receiving one or moresignals from communication module 122 of computer device 110.

Activation patterns 142 can include different patterns for activatingone or more of lights 140, different intensities for the one or more oflights 140 being activated, and/or different activation colors for theone or more of lights 140 being activated. For example, a firstactivation pattern of activation patterns 142 may specify that alllights 140 on wristband 130 to light up as blue when signals receivedfrom communication module 122 have been programmed to specify that auser's mom is calling computer device 110. As another example, a secondactivation pattern of activation patterns 142 may activate some lights140 on wristband 130 to flash red when signals received fromcommunication module 122 have been programmed to specify that an unknownnumber is calling. A user of wristband 130 can use wristband application121 on computer device 110 to set or change activation patterns 142depending on the type of phone call or message received by computerdevice 110.

Identities 143 may correspond to a phone book residing in computerdevice 130, which may also be loaded on wristband 130 from computerdevice 110 using wristband application 121. As such, identities 143 mayinclude the names and phone numbers of contacts of a user of computerdevice 110. Communication module 122 will then specify who is calling ormessaging computer device 110 and wristband 130 can use identities 143to display the name or phone number of the person using lights 140. Forexample, if computer device 110 receives a phone call or a message,computer device 110 may transmit the number of who is calling or who ismessaging to wristband 130 using communication module 122. Wristband 130may then use the number and determine if the number corresponds to acontact from identities 143. If the number does correspond to a contactfrom identities 143, then wristband 130 may display the name of thecontact using lights 140. Rather than transmitting the number, wristband130 may transmit a name to be displayed on wristband 130 using lights140. If the number does not correspond to a contact from identities 143,then wristband 130 may just display the number using lights 140.

Characters 144 may include a number of real or animated characters orobjects that a user of wristband 130 can match to contacts in identities143. If a contact from identities 143 includes a character match fromcharacters 144, then wristband 130 may display the character usinglights 140 instead of the name or phone number of the contact.Furthermore, if the number that is transmitted by device 110 towristband 130 is not one of the contacts in identities 143, wristband130 may be configured to pick a random or selected character fromcharacters 144 to display using lights 140.

Characters 144 may include alphabets, numerals, logos, cartooncharacters, images, animations, etc., which can be selected usingwristband application for being displayed using lights 140 on wristband130. A user may program the selection of characters 144, such that theyare changed automatically after a predetermined amount of time or inresponse to an event. For example, lights 144 may display a Laker's logowhen an event indicates that Laker's has won a game. As another example,lights may display a name of a favorite sportsman, singer, etc.

It should be noted that the implementation of FIG. 1 illustrates thateach of activation patterns 142, identities 143, and characters 144 arestored in memory 138 of wristband 130, however, the present disclosureis not limited to having activation patterns 142, identities 143, andcharacters 144 stored in memory 138 of wristband 130. In oneimplementation, each of activation patterns 142, identities 143, andcharacters 144 may be stored in memory 115 of computer device 110. Insuch an implementation, computer device 110 may transmit communicationmodule 122 to wristband 130, where communication module 122 correspondsto an activation pattern, an identity, or a character that is to bedisplayed on wristband 130 using lights 140. Still in anotherimplementation, each of activation patterns 132, identities 143, andcharacters 144 may be stored on an external device other than computerdevice 110, wristband 130, and earpiece 150. In such an implementation,wristband 130 may be in communication with the external device usingcommunication interface 137. Wristband 130 may then select and load anactivation pattern, identity, or character from the external devicedepending on communication module 122 transmitted from computer device110.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, wristband 130 includes battery 134 andbattery port 135. Battery 134 may be the power source for wristband 130.As such, battery 134 may include, but is not limited to, an alkalinebattery, a lithium ion battery, a mercury battery, a nickel cadmiumbattery, or any other type of power source capable of powering wristband130. In one implementation, battery 134 may be rechargeable usingbattery port 135. In such an implementation, a battery charger may beplugged into battery port 135 and an external power source in order tocharge battery 134, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In another implementation,battery 134 may be replaceable. In such an implementation, battery 134may be removed from wristband 130 and replaced by a similar battery.

It should be noted that battery 113 and battery port 114 of computerdevice 110, and battery 155 and battery port 156 of earpiece 150 aresimilar to battery 134 and battery port 135 of wristband 130,respectively. For example, battery 113 may be the power source ofcomputer device 110 and may be rechargeable using battery port 114. Asanother example, battery 155 may be the power source of earpiece 150 andmay be rechargeable using battery port 156. Furthermore, in oneimplementation, each of battery port 114, battery port 134, and batteryport 156 may be designed so that the same battery charger interface canbe used to recharge each of battery 113, battery 134, and battery 155,respectively. In such an implementation, each of battery port 114,battery port 134, and battery port 156 may include the same shape thatmatch the battery charger that plugs into an external power source. Inother words, battery port 114, battery port 134, and battery port 156may have the same female receiving shape, such that they receive thesame male battery charger input.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, wristband 130 includes device charger131 connected to or plugged into battery port 114 of computer device110, e.g. device charger 131 may be a male battery charger input that isplugged into a female receiver of battery port 114 of computer device110. Wristband 130 may use device charger 114 to either recharge battery113 of computer device 110 or provide power to computer device 110.Wristband 130 can recharge battery 114 of computer device 110 or providepower to computer device 110 either when wristband 130 is beingrecharged using a battery charger plugged into battery port 135, or whenwristband 130 is not being recharged. As such, battery 113 of computerdevice 110 can be recharged without plugging a separate battery chargerinto battery port 114 that requires a wall outlet. As a result, a userof computer device 110 can use computer device 110 for longer periods oftime using battery 134 of wristband 130.

It should be noted that the implementation of FIG. 1 illustrates devicecharger 131 as being separate from connection mechanism 136, however,the present disclosure is not limited to device charger 131 beingseparate from connection mechanism 136. In one implementation, theconnection between connection mechanism 136 of wristband 130 andconnection mechanism 116 of computer device 110 may provide thecomponents necessary for wristband 130 to recharge battery 113 ofcomputer device 110. For example, in one implementation, device charger131 may be installed in connection mechanism 136 and connectionmechanism 136 may plug directly into battery port 114 of computer device110. As another example, in another implementation, device charger 131may be installed in connection mechanism 136 and a separate battery portfor computer device 110 may be installed in connection mechanism 116, sothat wristband 130 can recharge computer device 110 when connectionmechanism 136 is connected to connection mechanism 116.

Furthermore, in one implementation, computer device 110 may utilize thesame connection between battery port 114 and device charger 131 tocharge battery 134 of wristband 130. Also, in another implementation,computer device 110 may utilize the connection between battery port 114and device charger 131 to provide power to wristband 130. In such animplementation, wristband 130 may not require battery 134 since battery113 of computer device 110 would power wristband 130.

It should further be noted that in one implementation, wristband device130 may include a light that indicates a charge level of battery 113 ofcomputer device 110 and/or battery 134 of wristband 134, as illustratedin FIG. 2. For example, the light may glow green when the batteries arenear fully charged, the light glows yellow when the batteries are abouthalf charged, and the light glows red when the batteries are almost outof charge. In another implementation, the light may be a bar indicatingthe battery level for battery 113 and/or battery 134. Furthermore, inone implementation, wristband 130 may transmit signals to computerdevice 110 that include a charge level of battery 134 of wristband 130.In such an implementation, wristband 130 may transmit the signals tocomputer device 110 using communication interface 137 and computerdevice 110 may display the charge level of wristband 130 using wristbandapplication 121 on display 117. Also, in one implementation, computerdevice 110 may display a charge level for both battery 114 of device 110and battery 134 of wristband 130 on display 117 using wristbandapplication 121. In such an implementation, computer device 110 maydisplay the charge level while wristband 130 is recharging battery 114.

It should be noted that the implementation of FIG. 1 illustrates devicecharger 131 as being separate from communication interface 137, however,the present disclosure is not limited to device charger 131 beingseparate from communication interface 137. In one implementation, devicecharger 137 may include the components of communication interface 137,so that wristband 130 is able to communicate with computer device 110through device charger 131 of wristband 130 and battery port 114 ofcomputer device 110 when device charger 131 is plugged into battery port114. For example, signals may be communicated via the wired connectionestablished between device charger 131 and battery port 114. Thesesignals may exchange data between computer device 110 and wristband 130using various data communication methods, such as pulse widthmodulation, or any other analog or digital data communications using oneor more wireline connections.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1, wristband 130 includes earpiece charger 139.Earpiece charger 139 works similarly to device charger 131; however,earpiece charger 139 is utilized by wristband 130 to recharge battery155 of earpiece 150. As such, earpiece charger 139 may be utilizedsimilarly to device charger 131 and be plugged into battery port 156 ofearpiece 150.

It should be noted that the implementation of FIG. 1 illustratesattaching mechanism 154 being separate from battery port 156; however,the present disclosure is not limited to attaching mechanism 154 beingseparate from battery port 156. In one implementation, attachingmechanism 154 may include battery port 156 and attach to earpiececharger 139 of wristband 130. In such an implementation, battery 155 ofearpiece 150 will recharge when earpiece 150 is attached to wristband130.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, earpiece 150 includes speaker 152 andmicrophone 153. A user of earpiece 150 may be able to communicate withcomputer device 110, wristband 130 and/or a phone. As such, speaker 152and microphone 153 of earpiece 150 may be utilized to replace speaker118 and microphone 119 of computer device 110 (or a phone separate fromcomputer device 110) when earpiece 150 is activated. For example, duringa phone call, a user of earpiece 150 may be able to hear the othercaller using speaker 153 or may be able to speak to the caller usingmicrophone 153. As another example, when sending a text message, a usermay be able to speak the content of the text message into microphone153, so that computer device 110 can draft the text message.

It should be noted that the implementation of FIG. 1 illustratesearpiece 150 including both speaker 152 and microphone 153, however, thepresent disclosure is not limited to earpiece 150 including both speaker152 and microphone 153. In other implementations, earpiece 150 may onlyinclude one of speaker 152 and microphone 153. For example, in oneimplementation, earpiece 150 may only include speaker 152, and notmicrophone 153. In such an implementation, a user of computer device 110may utilize speaker 152 of earpiece 150 to listen to a caller oncomputer device 110, however, the user would use microphone 119 ofcomputer device 110 to talk to the caller on computer device 110.Further, in another implementation, computer device 110 may not includea phone, and earpiece 150 may connect to a phone device (not shown)separate from computer device 110. In such an event, the communicationsmay be performed wirelessly and directly between wristband 130 (and/orearpiece 150) and the phone device (not shown), or the communicationsmay be performed wirelessly or via wires and indirectly through computerdevice 110 between wristband 130 (and/or earpiece 150) and the phonedevice, where computer device 110 is in communication with bothwristband 130 (and/or earpiece 150) and the phone device.

In the implementation of FIG. 1, a user of wristband 130 may attachwristband 130 to computer device 110 using connection mechanism 136and/or connection mechanism 116, and attach earpiece 150 to wristband130 using attaching mechanism 154. The user may then plug device charger131 of wristband 130 into battery port 114 of computer device 110, andplug earpiece charger 139 of wristband 130 into battery port 156 ofearpiece 150 so that wristband 130 recharges both battery 113 ofcomputer device 110 and battery 155 of earpiece 150.

Once the system has been setup by the user, the user may then usewristband application 121 of computer device 110 to program wristband130 using activation patterns 142, identities 143, and characters 144.As discussed above, computer device 110 activates one of activationpatterns 143, identities 143, and characters 144 using communicationmodule 122, where communication module 122 communicates signals fromcomputer device 110 to wristband 130 in response to computer device 110receiving a phone call or message from an outside device. The messagereceived by computer device 110 from the outside device may include, butis not limited to, a text message, and email, or any other type ofmessage that can be transmitted between different devices. Afterwristband 130 receives signals from communication module 122 of computerdevice 110, processor 132 of wristband 130 activates lights 140according to the one of activation patterns 142, identities 143, andcharacters 144 using circuitry 133.

The implementation of FIG. 1 further includes a user of wristband 130utilizing earpiece 150. For example, when the user of wristband 130receives a phone call on computer device 110, the user may detachearpiece 150 and utilize earpiece 150. Detaching earpiece 150 fromwristband 130 may cause earpiece 150 to automatically detect thatearpiece 150 has been detached from wristband 130 and turn on earpieceand/or establish a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth connection withcomputer device 110 or a phone device that is receiving a call.

FIG. 2 presents a first system illustrating a wristband accessoryconnected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of thepresent disclosure. System 200 of FIG. 2 includes computer device 210,wristband 230, earpiece 250, external power source 270, and phone device280. Computer device 210 includes connection mechanism 216 a andconnection mechanism 216 b (collectively referred to as collectionmechanisms 216), display 217, wristband application 221, and batteryport 214. Wristband 230 includes device charger 231, battery 234,battery port 235, clasp 245, and charge light 271. Earpiece 250 includesattaching mechanism 254. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, computerdevice 210 includes first side 223 and second side 224, and wristband230 includes first end 246 and second end 247.

It should be noted with respect to FIG. 2, computer device 210, batteryport 214, connection mechanisms 216, display 217, wristband application221, wristband 230, device charger 231, battery port 235, earpiece 250,and attaching mechanism 254 correspond respectively to computer device110, battery port 114, connection mechanism 116, display 117, wristbandapplication 121, wristband 130, device charger 131, battery port 135,earpiece 150, and attaching mechanism 154 of FIG. 1. It should furtherbe noted that some features of FIG. 1 are not illustrated in FIG. 2 forclarity purposes.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, wristband 230 is connected to computer device210 using connection mechanisms 216. First end 246 of wristband 230attaches to first side 223 of computer device 210 using connectionmechanism 216 a, and second end 247 of wristband 230 attaches to secondside 224 of computer device 210 using connection mechanism 216 b. Asdiscussed above, connection mechanisms 216 may include, but are notlimited to, snaps, screws, adhesives, ties, or any other mechanism thatcan be used to connect wristband 230 to computer device 210. Oncewristband 230 is attached to computer device 210, a user can wearcomputer device 210 around his or her wrist.

It should be noted that the implementation of FIG. 2 illustrateswristband 230 being attached to computer device 210 using connectionmechanisms 216 of computer device 210, however, as discussed above, thepresent disclosure is not limited to wristband 230 being attached tocomputer device 210 using connection mechanisms that are only includedon computer device 210. In one implementation, wristband 230 may beattached to computer device 210 using connection mechanisms that areincluded on wristband 230. In such an implementation, the connectionmechanisms included on wristband 230 may include, but are not limitedto, snaps, screws, adhesives, ties, or any other mechanism that can beused to connect wristband 230 to computer device 210. Furthermore, inanother implementation, both wristband 230 and computer device 210 mayinclude connection mechanisms that work together in order for wristband230 to attach to computer device 210. For example, wristband 230 mayinclude screws that screw into bolts on computer device 210.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, wristband 230 includes battery 234.Battery 234 is indicated with dashed lines to indicate that battery 234is inside wristband 230. In one implementation, as illustrated in FIG.2, battery 234 may extend almost the entire length of wristband 230. Insuch an implementation, the size of battery 234 is maximized so thatbattery 234 is able to power wristband 230 and computer device 210 forlonger periods of time. However, in another implementation, battery 234may not extend the length of wristband 230. For example, battery 234 mayonly be provided on a single side of wristband 230, such as betweenclasp 245 and computer device 210.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, wristband 230 includes device charger231 plugged into battery port 214 of computer device 210. In oneimplementation, wristband 230 is connected to connection mechanism 216 asuch that device charger 231 is hidden inside wristband 230. In otherwords, connection mechanism 216 a is extended such that wristband 230covers first side 223, second side 224 and battery port 214. In oneimplementation, battery port 214 may be located on the same side asfirst side 223 or second side 224. As discussed above with regards toFIG. 1, each of wristband 230 and computer device 210 may include aseparate battery. Wristband 230 may thus be used to provide power tocomputer device 210 and/or recharge the battery inside computer device210, such as recharging battery 113 of computer device 110 from FIG. 1.As such, device charger 231 is plugged into battery port 214 in order toprovide power to computer device 210 and/or recharge the battery insidecomputer device 210. Wristband 230 can recharge the battery insidecomputer device 210 while battery 234 of wristband 230 is beingrecharged using a battery charger plugged into battery port 235 ofwristband 230 using external power source 270, where external powersource 270 includes a power outlet or any other power source that may beused to recharge wristband 230. Furthermore, wristband 230 can providepower to computer device 210 and/or recharge the battery inside computerdevice 210 during normal use of wristband 230 and computer device 210when wristband 230 is not connected to external power source 270.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, wristband 230 includes clasp 245.Clasp 245 includes a part of wristband 230 that can be used to bothadjust a size of wristband 230 for a given user and/or lock and securewristband 230 to that user. For example, clasp 245 may include a seriesof holes lined up in a row so that a user can tighten wristband 230 tohis or her wrist and then place a rod inside one of the holes to securewristband 230 to his or her wrist. As another example, wristband 230 maycome preset to fit the wrist of the user. In such an example, clasp 245may only include a clip that secures wristband 230 to the user. A userwould thus not be required to adjust the size of wristband 230 sincewristband 230 would be sized to the correct size of the user.

It should be noted that in one implementation, as will be discussed ingreater detail below with regards to FIG. 5, clasp 245 further includesa switch. In such an implementation, the switch will be automatically beactivated or deactivated when a user of wristband 230 secures wristband230 to his or her wrist. The switch may then cause wristband 230 toactivate and/or transmit a signal to computer device 210 to activatecomputer device 210 depending on settings programmed by the user. Forexample, the switch may cause wristband 230 to transmit a signal tocomputer device 210 causing display 217 on computer device 210 to turnon. Computer device 210 may then further launch wristband application221 in response to the signal. As a second example, the switch may causewristband 230 to transmit a signal to computer device 210 causingcomputer device 210 to update software applications loaded on computerdevice 210, such as email or other messaging accounts. Also, as a thirdexample, the signal transmitted from the switch may adjust an amount ofpower being provided from wristband 230 to computer device 210. Forexample, when clasp 245 is closed, the switch may transmit a signal,such that power is provided by battery 234 to computer device 210, andwhen clasp 245 is opened, the switch may transmit a signal, such that nopower is provided by battery 234 to computer device 210. As illustratedin FIG. 1, wristband 130/230 may utilize communication interface 137 inorder to transmit signals to computer device 110/210.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, wristband 230 includes charge light 271.As discussed above in FIG. 1, wristband 230 may include lights thatindicate the charge level for both battery 234 inside wristband 230 andthe battery inside computer device 210. As such, wristband 230 mayactivate different lights within charge light 271 depending on the powerlevel of the two different batteries.

FIG. 2 further illustrates earpiece 250 attached to wristband 230.Earpiece attaches to wristband 230 using attaching mechanism 254, whereattaching mechanism 254 may include, but is not limited to, a snap, ascrew, an adhesive, a tie, or any other mechanism that can be used toconnect earpiece 250 to wristband 230. Furthermore, attaching mechanism254 may include a battery port, such as battery port 156 of earpiece 150from FIG. 1, so that wristband 230 can recharge the battery insideearpiece 250 while earpiece 250 is attached to wristband 230. Wristband230 may include a built-in compartment for earpiece 250, such thatearpiece 250 can be placed inside wristband 230 partially or completely.

Further illustrated in FIG. 2 is phone device 280. As discussed above inregards to FIG. 1, in one implementation, computer device 210 may notinclude a phone, and earpiece 250 may connect to phone device 280separate from computer device 210. In such an implementation, thecommunications may be performed wirelessly and directly betweenwristband 230 (and/or earpiece 250) and phone device 280, or thecommunications may be performed wirelessly or via wires and indirectlythrough computer device 210 between wristband 230 (and/or earpiece 250)and phone device 230, wherein computer device 210 is in communicationwith both wristband 230 (and/or earpiece 250) and phone device 280.

It is noted that the implementation of FIG. 2 only illustrates computerdevice 210 as including wristband application 221, however, the presentdisclosure is not limited to only phone device 210 including wristbandapplication 221. In one implementation, phone device 280 may alsoinclude wristband application 221. In such an implementation, phonedevice 280 is able to utilize wristband application 221 to control andsend signals to wristband device 230, and receive signals from wristbanddevice 230, as computer device 210 discussed above.

FIG. 3 presents a second system illustrating a wristband accessoryconnected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of thepresent disclosure. System 300 of FIG. 3 includes computer device 310and wristband 330. Wristband 330 includes connection mechanism 336. Withregards to FIG. 3, it should be noted that computer device 310,wristband 330, and connection mechanism 336 correspond respectively tocomputer device 110, wristband 130, and connection mechanism 136 ofFIG. 1. It should also be noted that some features from FIG. 1 have beenleft out of FIG. 3 for clarity purposes.

As illustrated in the implementation of FIG. 3, wristband 330 attachesto computer device 310 using connection mechanism 336. Connectionmechanism 336 in FIG. 3 works as a pocket in wristband 330 that computerdevice 310 can fit inside. As such, wristband 330 is able to surroundall four sides of computer device 310 so that computer device 310 issecured inside wristband 330. By having connection mechanism 336 ofwristband 330 act as a pocket for a computer device, wristband 330 canbe compatible to support different types of computer devices.

FIG. 4 presents a third system illustrating a wristband accessoryconnected to a wearable computer, according to one implementation of thepresent disclosure. System 400 of FIG. 4 includes computer device 410and wristband 430. Computer device 410 includes display 417. Wristband430 includes connection mechanism 436 a and connection mechanism 436 b,which are collectively referred to as collection mechanisms 436. Withregards to FIG. 4, it should be noted that computer device 410, display417, wristband 430, and connection mechanisms 436 correspondrespectively to computer device 110, display 117, wristband 130, andconnection mechanism 136 of FIG. 1. It should also be noted that somefeatures from FIG. 1 have been left out of FIG. 4 for clarity purposes.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, wristband 430 now attaches to computer device410 using connection mechanisms 436, where connection mechanism 436 a issituated on a first side of wristband 430 and connection mechanism 436 bis situated on a second side of wristband 430. By having connectionsmechanisms 436 included on each side of wristband 430, computer device410 does not have to specifically be designed for attachment towristband 430 as wristband 430 is a general wristband that can be usedwith a variety of computer devices. For example, wristband 430 can bedetached from computer device 410 and attached to a second computerdevice.

FIG. 5 presents a first example of a wristband accessory, according toone implementation of the present disclosure. Wristband 530 of FIG. 5includes lights 540 a and lights 540 b, which are collectively referredto as lights 540, and connection mechanism 536 a and connectionmechanism 536 b, which are collectively referred to as collectionmechanisms 536. Wristband 530 further includes clasp 545, which includesswitch 548. With respect to FIG. 5, it should be noted that wristband530, connection mechanisms 536, and lights 540 of FIG. 5 correspondrespectively to wristband 130, connection mechanism 136, and lights 140of FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, wristband 530 includes connection mechanism536 a on a first end and connection mechanism 536 b on a second end.Connection mechanisms 536 are utilized by wristband 530 in order toattach wristband 530 to a computer device, such as by attachingwristband 130 to computer device 110 of FIG. 1. Furthermore, asdiscussed above, in some implementations, one or both of connectionmechanisms 536 may also include the necessary components needed to setup communications between wristband 530 and a device and/or the exchangeof power between wristband 530 and the device. For example, andreferring to FIG. 1, connection mechanisms 536 may include devicecharger 131 and/or communication interface 137. In such an example,wristband 130/530 is able to both transmit and receive communications toand from computer device 210 and recharge battery 113 of computer device110 when wristband 130/530 is connected to computer device 110.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, wristband 530 includes lights 540 a ona first end and lights 540 b on a second end. As discussed above, lights540 may include LEDs that can be activated using signals transmittedfrom a computer device, such as computer device 110 from FIG. 1. Lights540 may be programmed by a user to activate according to differentactivation patterns, activate to display an identity of a caller, oractivate to display a character that corresponds to the identity of thecaller. In this way, a user of wristband 530 is able to customizewristband 530 depending on his or her own preferences.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, wristband 530 includes clasp 545,which includes switch 548, such as a transistor. As discussed above,clasp 545 may be used to both adjust a size of wristband 530 for a givenuser and/or lock and secure wristband 530 to that user. Furthermore, inthe implementation of FIG. 5, clasp 545 includes switch 548. Switch 548may be configured to activate when a user of wristband 530 closes clasp545 so that wristband 530 and an attached device are secured to his orher wrist. Once switch 548 has been activated by locking clasp 545,wristband 530 may be configured to perform various functions.

For example, in one implementation, and as discussed above, activatingswitch 548 may cause wristband 530 to transmit a signal to an attachedcomputer device. The transmitted signal may cause the attached computerdevice to turn on, launch, and update software applications stored onthe attached device. For example, the signal may cause the computerdevice to launch an email application so that the device automaticallylaunches, updates, and displays the email application each time a usercloses clasp 545. For another example, the signal may cause the computerdevice to launch a wristband application, such as wristband application121 of FIG. 1. A user can then customize wristband 530 according to userpreferences using the wristband application.

FIG. 6 presents a second example of a wristband accessory, according toone implementation of the present disclosure. Wristband 630 of FIG. 6includes connection mechanism 636 a and connection mechanism 636 b,which are collectively referred to as connection mechanisms 636, andlights 640 a and lights 640 b, which are collectively referred to aslights 640. Furthermore, wristband 630 includes flashlight 641 andearpiece holder 659. With regards to FIG. 6, it should be noted thatwristband 630, connection mechanisms 636, lights 640, and flashlight 641correspond respectively to wristband 130, connection mechanism 136,lights 140 of FIG. 1. As shown, in one implementation, flashlight 641 isplaced near or on the clasp, such that flashlight 641 can be used as areading assistant when flashlight 641 is facing a reading surface with ahand wearing wristband 630 is held on top of the surface or when thehand is rested on the little finger side shining light sideways on thesurface.

As illustrated in the implementation of FIG. 6, wristband 630 includesflashlight 630 and earpiece holder 659. As discussed above, flashlight630 may include a light source, such as an LED. Earpiece holder 659 mayinclude a pouch built into wristband 630 where a user of wristband 630can store an earpiece, such as earpiece 150 from FIG. 1. In oneimplementation, a pouch may be attached to wristband 630 for storing anearpiece therein.) By including earpiece holder 659 built into wristband630, a user does not have to attach an earpiece to the outer perimeterof wristband 630 where it might be knocked off. Furthermore, earpieceholder 659 may include the components necessary to recharge a battery inthe earpiece while the earpiece is stored inside earpiece holder 659.

It should be noted that FIGS. 2-6 are just example implementations ofwristbands that may be utilized with a computer device, however, thepresent disclosure is not limited to the implementations of FIGS. 2-6.In other implementations, each of device charger, lights, connectionmechanisms, earpiece charger, and earpiece holder may be arranged usinga different arrangement. Furthermore, still in other implementations,the wristband may include more or less features than device charger,lights, connection mechanisms, earpiece charger, and earpiece holder.

From the above description it is manifest that various techniques can beused for implementing the concepts described in the present applicationwithout departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while theconcepts have been described with specific reference to certainimplementations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognizethat changes can be made in form and detail without departing from thescope of those concepts. As such, the described implementations are tobe considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Itshould also be understood that the present application is not limited tothe particular implementations described above, but many rearrangements,modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable computer device comprising: a computerbody, the computer body including a processor and a display; and anearpiece; and a wristband, the wristband including: a first end of thewristband configured to attach to a first side of the computer body; asecond end of the wristband configured to attach to a second side of thecomputer body; and an earpiece compartment configured to receive theearpiece.
 2. The wearable computer device of claim 1, wherein thewristband is configured to provide power to the earpiece while theearpiece is placed inside the wristband.
 3. The wearable computer deviceof claim 2, wherein the wristband further includes a battery, andwherein the battery of the wristband provides power to a batter of theearpiece.
 4. The wearable computer device of claim 1, wherein theearpiece includes a speaker and no microphone.
 5. The wearable computerdevice of claim 1, wherein the earpiece compartment is configured forpartially placing the earpiece in the earpiece compartment.
 6. Thewearable computer device of claim 1, wherein the earpiece is configuredto detect a detachment from the wristband.
 7. The wearable computerdevice of claim 6, wherein the earpiece turns on in response todetecting the detachment from the wristband and establishes a wirelessconnection with a device.
 8. The wearable computer device of claim 7,wherein the wireless device is inside the wristband.
 9. A wristband forattaching to a computer device, the wristband comprising: a first end ofthe wristband configured to attach to a first side of the computerdevice; a second end of the wristband configured to attach to a secondside of the computer device; and an earpiece compartment for placing anearpiece in the wristband.
 10. The wristband of claim 9, wherein thewristband is configured to provide power to the earpiece while theearpiece is placed inside the wristband.
 11. The wristband of claim 10,wherein the wristband further includes a battery, and wherein thebattery of the wristband provides power to a batter of the earpiece. 12.The wristband of claim 9, wherein the earpiece includes a speaker and nomicrophone.
 13. The wristband of claim 9, wherein the earpiececompartment is configured for partially placing the earpiece in theearpiece compartment.
 14. The wristband of claim 9, wherein the earpieceis configured to detect a detachment from the wristband.
 15. Thewristband of claim 14, wherein the earpiece turns on in response todetecting the detachment from the wristband and establishes a wirelessconnection with a wireless device.
 16. The wristband of claim 15,wherein the wireless device is inside the wristband.
 17. A wristband forattaching to a computer device, the wristband comprising: a first end ofthe wristband configured to attach to a first side of the computerdevice; a second end of the wristband configured to attach to a secondside of the computer device; and a clasp disposed between the first endof the wristband and the second end of the wristband; wherein the claspincludes a switch, and wherein the switch is activated in response to aclosure of the clasp causing a signal to be transmitted by the wristbandto the computer device.
 18. The wristband of claim 17, wherein thesignal causes a power adjustment to the computer device.
 19. Thewristband of claim 17, wherein the signal causes a display of thecomputer device to be turned on.
 20. The wristband of claim 17, whereinthe signal causes an application to be launched by the computer device.